With just a few days left before we hear the gun go at the start of the first PWA race of 2010, we caught up with Kevin Pritchard (Starboard, Gaastra, Dakine) to find out how he's been preparing, who he thinks will be at the top, and whether there any new gadgets that could give anyone a head start.

PWA: Are you looking forward to kicking off the 2010 season in style this weekend in South Korea?

KP: "Yeah I can't wait! I've been out on the water loads this winter and I've been having some really fun training sessions, so I'm hoping I'll be able to carry the fun factor over to the race course."

PWA: How have you been preparing? Have you done anything different this year?

KP: "This year I've mainly been focussing on having fun. Obviously I've spent a tremendous amount of time tuning my new Gaastra sails so that they work perfectly with my new Starboard boards as well."

PWA: What are your goals this year?

KP: "My main aim is to simply have as much fun as possible on the water. I think last year I was too worried about contracts, and so I wasn't enjoying my time on the water. This year I'm going on tour to have fun and hopefully that will lead to me getting back on top."

PWA: Who do you think your main competitors will be?

KP: "Oh man there are so many fast guys out there. Cyril Moussilmani (Starboard, North) was going really quick the last time I sailed with him. Bjorn Dunkerbeck (Starboard, Severne) will be quick, as well as Ross Williams (Tabou, Gaastra), Micah Buzianis (JP, NeilPryde), Finian Maynard (RRD, Gaastra), and of course Antoine Albeau (JP, NeilPryde). It's going to be heaps of fun out there on the course!"

PWA: Do you think there will be any new faces at the front of the fleet?

KP: "Not really new, but like I said, it's about time Cyril won an event. That guy is so fast, and such a good racer. He's probably one of the most underrated guys out there, so maybe he'll make 2010 his year."

PWA: Are there any new products that you think will give someone the edge?

KP: "I heard that the new North Sails mast base with the shock absorber is going pretty well, but Nik Baker (Fanatic, North) told me that... and he works for them! I think everyone has little bits and bobs that will make them fast."

As always, we'll be reporting on the action, as and when it happens, live from Korea on www.pwaworldtour.com so be sure to tune in for up to the minute elimination ladders, live coverage via the ticker, awesome picture galleries, and daily video updates.